Canadian Senate: NATO's Afghan Mission in Trouble

By David Ljunggren

OTTAWA (Reuters) - NATO's military mission to Afghanistan is in trouble and has little chance of success unless the alliance commits significantly more resources, said a report issued by the Canadian Senate on Monday.

The defense committee of the Senate said NATO faces a "huge and complex set of problems" as it tries to rebuild the shattered country.

"It is in our view doubtful that this mission can be accomplished given the limited resources that NATO is currently investing in Afghanistan," said the report.

"Canada and NATO must deploy resources in Afghanistan and use those resources in a better way than we have done to this point," it said. "If this proves impossible, Canada should be prepared to consider withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan as soon as our current commitment ends."

Canada has 2,500 soldiers in the southern city of Kandahar, who are due to pull out early in 2009. So far, 44 Canadian soldiers and a diplomat have died, most of them in 2006.

The problems facing Canada and its allies include a resurgent Taliban, a booming poppy trade, endemic corruption and a wrecked infrastructure.

"Anyone expecting to see the emergence in Afghanistan within the next several decades of a recognizable modern democracy capable of delivering justice and amenities to its people is dreaming in Technicolor," said the report. Continued...

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